THE SADDLE AND BRIDLE, 75 



firmer and more secure^ instead of loosening it, 

 as would be the case if it were screwed to the 

 right. This pommel should be well padded, so 

 that the knee may not be bruised by it. 



The second pommel should also be well padded, 

 and should always be curved slightly so as to 

 suit the form of the right leg. It must not be 

 so high as to render it difficult, in mounting and 

 dismounting, to pass the right knee over it. 

 The off-pommel, since the English saddle has 

 come into vogue, has almost disappeared, being 

 reduced to a mere vestige of its former size. 

 This is a great improvement to the rider's ap- 

 pearance, as she now no longer has that con- 

 fined, cribbed-up look which the high pommeled 

 saddle of twenty years ago gave her. 



The distance between the off-pommel and the 

 second one should be adapted to the size of the 

 rider's leg, being wide enough to allow the leg 

 to rest easily between the two ; but no wider 

 than this, as too much space will be apt to lead 

 her to sit sideways upon the saddle. 



A saddle should be well padded, but not so 

 much so as to lift the rider too high above the 

 horse's back. The shield in front should not 

 press upon the neck of the horse, but should 

 barely touch it. The saddle flaps must be Avell 

 strapped down, for if they stand out stiffly, the 



